Barrow is a town located in Alaska, United States. The town has a long and interesting history, and it has gone through some significant changes over the years. One of the most notable changes was its name, which was changed from Barrow to Utqiaġvik in 2016. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of Barrow and why the name was changed.
The History of Barrow
Barrow was first established in the late 1700s as a trading post for the Inupiat people, who had been living in the area for centuries. Since then, the town has grown and developed into a modern community with a population of approximately 4,000 people. The town is located on the northern coast of Alaska and is known for its extreme weather conditions, including temperatures that can drop to -40°F in the winter.
Barrow was originally known as Ukpeagvik, which means “place where snow owls are hunted” in the Inupiat language. Later, the name was changed to Barrow in honor of Sir John Barrow, who was the Second Secretary of the Admiralty in the United Kingdom during the 1800s.
Why the Name Changed
In 2016, the residents of Barrow voted to change the name of the town to Utqiaġvik, which is the traditional Inupiat name for the area. The name change was part of a larger effort to reclaim and celebrate the Inupiat culture and language, which had been suppressed for many years.
The name change was also seen as a way to honor the memory of the original inhabitants of the area and to recognize the importance of the Inupiat language and culture. The name change was widely celebrated by the residents of Barrow, who were proud to reclaim their cultural heritage.
The name change of Barrow to Utqiaġvik was a significant moment in the town’s history. It was a symbol of the residents’ commitment to honoring their cultural heritage and preserving their language. The name change is a reminder of the importance of celebrating and preserving indigenous cultures around the world.